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From swimming to sleeping, learn how to protect your eyes while enjoying the freedom of contact lenses.
Contact lenses are great for helping you see clearly without glasses. But wearing them the wrong way can hurt your eyes and even cause infections. Here are answers to some common questions about using contact lenses.
Can I swim with contact lenses in?
Swimming with contact lenses is a no-no. Even though it might seem convenient to keep your lenses in while swimming, doing so can put your eyes at risk. Water in pools, lakes, and even the ocean can contain harmful bacteria and germs that can stick to your lenses.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that wearing contact lenses while swimming can put you at risk for serious issues, such as corneal infections. These infections can lead to eye damage and even vision loss.
So, what should you do if you swim often? One safe option is to wear swim goggles over your contact lenses to keep the water out. Just be aware that if your goggles leak, you’ll need to remove your lenses (cleanse and safely store them) to keep your eyes and lenses safe.
If you swim frequently, ask your eye doctor about prescription swim goggles. You may even be able to wear a pair of over-the-counter specialty swim goggles that are sold with different degrees of magnification, much like over-the-counter reading glasses. The view won’t be perfect but can help you have a better view when you’re splashing around or swimming laps.
Did you know that contact lens prescriptions need to be renewed every year? Now’s the time to book a contact lens exam!
Can I shower with my contacts in?
Similar to swimming, it’s also not a good idea to shower with contact lenses. Experts recommend keeping contacts out of your eyes when water is involved, even in the shower. Tap water can have tiny organisms that may stick to your contacts and cause infections. It can also make your lenses lose their shape or get uncomfortable.
Accidentally showered with your contacts in? It’s best to take them out and disinfect them overnight before putting them back in.
Can I use contact solution as eye drops?
No, it’s not a good idea to use contact lens solution as a substitute for eye drops. Contact solution is made to clean and store your lenses, not to moisturize your eyes. Using regular solution as eye drops can cause discomfort and won’t properly hydrate your eyes.
Instead, use rewetting drops or artificial tears made specifically for use with contact lenses. These are safe and help keep your eyes comfortable without damaging the lenses.
Check with your eye doctor if you’re unsure which eye drops are safe to use with your lenses.
Recommended reading: How to pick the right eye drops for dry eyes
Can I nap while wearing contact lenses?
Taking a short nap with your contact lenses in may seem harmless, but it’s not recommended. When you sleep with contacts, even for a quick snooze, less oxygen reaches your eyes. That can make them feel dry, irritated, or even lead to an infection. According to the National Institutes of Health, sleeping with contacts can cause problems like corneal ulcers (painful sores on your eyes) or dry eye.
If you do accidentally fall asleep with your contacts in, don’t panic. It’s best to take them out when you wake up and give your eyes a break for the rest of the day. But be careful when you take them out. Your eyes might feel dry or sticky — try using rewetting drops before taking them out.
If you catch yourself napping or sleeping in your contacts often, talk to your eye doctor about extended-wear lenses. These are contacts that are designed to be worn overnight. But even with extended wear lenses, you should be cautious and follow your doctor’s advice about removing them regularly to give your eyes a break.
Curious to learn more about contact lenses? Read our guide to contact lenses here, then browse contact lens options at America’s Best!
How to Take Good Care of Your Contact Lenses
Now that you know the answers to some of the most common contact lens questions, here are a few simple contact lens care tips to keep your eyes healthy:
- Wash your hands. Always wash and dry your hands before touching your contacts.
- Use fresh solution. Never reuse old solution; always clean and store your lenses in fresh contact lens solution.
- Replace contacts on time. Follow the schedule your eye doctor gives you for replacing your contacts, whether that’s daily, bi-weekly, or monthly.
By following these tips and being careful with your contact lenses, you can protect your eyes from infections and keep them feeling great.
Bottom Line
Contact lenses are a fantastic tool for improving your vision, but it’s important to use them properly. Whether it’s avoiding swimming, skipping naps with lenses in, or using the right eye drops, these small steps can make a big difference for your eye health. For more advice or questions, always talk to your eye doctor and follow their guidance to keep your eyes safe and healthy!
Medically reviewed by: John Bankowski, O.D.